Nursing Uncharted

Ever wondered if there's a way to keep your nursing career alive without committing to another 13-week contract? What if you could design a schedule that actually fits your life?In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann goes rogue for a real, unscripted conversation with AMN senior recruiting managers Tia and Rosie. Together, they reveal the ins and outs of per diem nursing, a path that offers nationwide flexibility, exclusive scheduling freedom, and a way to stay connected to patient care on your own terms. From myth-busting common misconceptions to sharing emotional stories about nurses who used per diem work to be present for family during life's hardest moments, this episode will transform how you think about your next career move.Key Topics Covered:·      Defining Per Diem: What makes this work arrangement different from travel and staff nursing.·      Maximum Flexibility: Choosing your own shifts, facilities, and schedule without a 13-week commitment.·      Real Nurse Stories: How per diem nursing supported clinicians through family emergencies, burnout recovery, and career transitions.·      Myth-Busting: Separating fact from fiction about contracts, unpredictable schedules, and who per diem work is really for.·      What Facilities Look For: The experience and qualities that help clinicians succeed in per diem roles.Chapters:·      00:00 - Welcome and meeting Tia and Rosie·      04:37 - The most common question clinicians ask about per diem work·      05:44 - What makes per diem nursing different·      07:06 - Specialties and career stages where per diem thrives·      12:19 - The flexibility that sets per diem apart·      15:01 - A story of per diem nursing supporting family during illness·      19:00 - What facilities look for in per diem candidates·      23:47 - Getting started: your first conversation with a recruiter·      27:48 - Myth-busting per diem nursing·      30:41 - Final advice for nurses considering per diem workResources Mentioned:·      AMN Healthcare per diem nursing opportunities·      AMN Healthcare employee assistance program Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.Resources & Links🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About AnnAnn King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at [email protected] Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTubeInstagramApple PodcastsSpotifyLinkedInFacebookPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes Maddy, a PACU nurse with six years of experience and a passion for helping new graduates break into the field. Maddy takes listeners through her own winding path, from cardiac ICU to PACU, and shares the exact strategies she used to build a standout resume, ace interviews, and position herself for every opportunity that followed. Whether you are still in nursing school or searching for your next assignment, this conversation offers practical, encouraging advice you can start applying today.Key Topics Discussed:·      Maddy's Nursing Journey: From a hospital tech role to cardiac ICU, and eventually finding her fit in PACU.·      Building a Resume as a New Grad: What to include, how to highlight clinical experience, and why specificity matters.·      Networking Before Graduation: Why relationships with professors and preceptors can open unexpected doors.·      Interview Confidence: How honesty, preparation, and a printed resume can set candidates apart.·      Transitioning Between Specialties: What to consider when moving from critical care to PACU, and finding your ideal setting.·      Tracking Your Career Journey: Why documenting milestones early pays off for travel nursing and beyond.Chapters:·      00:00 - Introduction and meeting Maddy·      02:12 - Maddy's background: from tech to cardiac ICU·      13:05 - What led Maddy to PACU·      15:28 - Why PACU stands out as a specialty·      18:11 - Is PACU the right fit for a new grad?·      21:05 - Preparing for your first nursing job·      24:17 - Building a resume that gets noticed·      33:26 - Interview tips: honesty, preparation, and standing out·      39:06 - Tracking your clinical experience for long-term career growth·      43:45 - Final takeaway: "It's only new once"Resources Mentioned:·      Nurse Maddy YouTube channel, documenting her nursing school and career journey Guest SpotlightMeet our guest, Maddy, a PACU nurse with six years of clinical experience spanning cardiac ICU and post-anesthesia care. Maddy began documenting her nursing school journey on YouTube and has since built a platform dedicated to helping new graduates and nurses exploring new specialties. Her candid advice on resume building, networking, and interview preparation offers a roadmap for anyone navigating the early (or next) chapter of their nursing career. Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.Resources & Links🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About AnnAnn King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at [email protected] Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTubeInstagramApple PodcastsSpotifyLinkedInFacebookPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder what actually happens behind the booth at TravCon? What do travel nurses really want to know before signing their next contract?In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with Nicole and Florentina from AMN Healthcare to recap TravCon 2026, the industry's biggest gathering for travel nurses. From Nurse Blake's keynote to the return of the beloved AMN diner-themed booth, the team shares what made this year different, why so many new travelers are entering the field, and what nurses want to know about rates, cancellations, and contract stability. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just curious about your first assignment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, connected, and ready for what's next.Key Topics Discussed:Rates and Stability: What nurses are asking about contract cancellations, pay, and post-pandemic rate expectations.Human Connection: Why face-to-face conversations with recruiters still matter in an AI-driven industry.Community and Loyalty: Stories of returning travelers, long-term recruiter relationships, and finding your way back to AMN.The AMN Diner Experience: The meaning behind the twenty-four-seven themed booth and how it reflects AMN's commitment to round-the-clock support. Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.Resources & Links🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About AnnAnn King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at [email protected] Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTubeInstagramApple PodcastsSpotifyLinkedInFacebookPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered what it truly feels like walking into a hospital unit you've never seen before, with patients depending on you within hours of landing? Do you want a clear-eyed look at one of nursing's most sensitive topics, straight from someone who has lived it five times over?In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with Melisa, an ICU and NICU nurse turned strike assignment veteran, for an honest conversation about workforce disruptions. Melisa shares how she went from scrolling social media to boarding a flight in 48 hours, what it takes to earn trust on a unit that's never met you, and why she believes two seemingly opposite things can be true at once: strike nurses support staff nurses, and patients still come first. You'll walk away equipped to understand every side of the strike nursing experience, from the adrenaline of day one to the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.Key Topics Discussed:·      Building Confidence Fast: What it takes to walk into an unfamiliar unit and deliver safe, competent care immediately.·      Supporting Both Sides: Why strike nurses and staff nurses share the same goal, even when the narrative says otherwise.·      Emotional Preparation: How to stay flexible, patient, and self-aware through the unpredictability of a strike assignment.Chapters:·      00:00 - Two things can be true: Setting the tone for a sensitive topic·      00:31 - Meet Melisa: NICU nurse and soon-to-be nurse practitioner·      04:12 - How travel nursing paved the way to her first strike·      09:43 - The chaos, camaraderie, and community of strike assignments·      13:36 - Why the work feels rewarding on multiple levels·      21:15 - Patient ratios, safety, and what nurses are really fighting for·      26:55 - Earning trust from unfamiliar providers under pressure·      34:06 - The emotional release when a strike finally ends·      35:46 - Advice for nurses considering their first strike assignmentGuest SpotlightMeet our guest, Melisa, an ICU and NICU nurse who has completed five strike assignments while pursuing her nurse practitioner degree with a focus on postpartum care. Her firsthand experience navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments, and her openness about the emotional complexity of strike nursing, offer valuable perspective for any nurse curious about this path.Ready to understand every angle of strike nursing? Subscribe to Nursing Uncharted and share this episode with a fellow nurse today!Apply for strike jobs with AMN Healthcare: https://www.amnhealthcare.com/careers/nursing/strike/ Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.Resources & Links🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About AnnAnn King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at [email protected] Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTubeInstagramApple PodcastsSpotifyLinkedInFacebookPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when two registered nurses get tired of ruined shoes, aching feet, and energy crashes on 12-hour shifts? They build a brand from scratch, and they don't stop at footwear. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes back Loftin Dortch and Alex Pastorkovich, the co-founders of Uni Shoes, for an exciting update on where the brand is today. From a recovery shoe collaboration to a nurse-engineered backpack, a jitter-free energy drink, and a next-generation shoe currently in development, Uni is redefining what it means to support nurses as the everyday athletes they are. Plus, Loftin and Alex open up about the emotional weight of leaving the bedside and why staying connected to nursing still drives everything they do. Key Topics Discussed: From pain point to product: How frustration with hospital footwear sparked a footwear brand built by nurses, for nurses New product launches: The Keen Footwear recovery shoe collaboration, a nurse-specific functional backpack, and the ØCAF energy drink Nurse-centered design: Why lived clinical experience shapes every product decision Uni makes Leaving the bedside: The guilt, the identity shift, and the perspective that makes it worthwhile Nurses as everyday athletes: The case for treating healthcare professionals with the same performance focus as elite sports stars What's next: A three-year-in-development next-generation shoe with advanced technology built for the hospital floor Chapters: 00:00—Welcome back: Catching up with the Uni Shoes co-founders 02:02—The origin story: Why nurses needed a better shoe 05:54—New products: Recovery shoes, backpacks, and lunch boxes 09:42—No-Caf: The nurse-specific energy drink with no jitters or sleep disruption 12:18—Nurses are everyday athletes: Reframing how we see healthcare professionals 20:05—Leaving the bedside: Guilt, identity, and finding a new way to contribute 27:45—Keeping your license active and your options open 29:12—The Amazon partnership and promo code 33:20—Running a 100-mile ultramarathon and how it shapes product design 31:08—What's coming next: The next-generation Uni shoe Resources Mentioned: Uni Shoes website—browse shoes, the backpack, and all new products Use code AMN10 for 10% off! ØCAF energy drink—Uni's nurse-formulated beverage featuring paraxanthine, a caffeine metabolite that delivers focus without jitters or sleep disruption Keen Footwear—recovery shoe collaboration partner Per Diem Roles at AMN Healthcare—flexible per diem and travel nursing opportunities for nurses exploring options outside staff positions AMN Passport App—manage your assignments and career journey on the go Guest Spotlight Loftin Dortch and Alex Pastorkovich are two registered nurses who turned a shared frustration into a thriving brand. Alex's background spans emergency medicine and functional medicine, while Loftin brings deep clinical insight from years at the bedside. Together, they co-founded Uni Shoes with one clear mission: to treat nurses like high-performance athletes. They are both preparing to run the Tahoe 100-mile ultramarathon, and that same endurance mindset drives every product they build. Their story is proof that nursing expertise does not stop at the hospital door; it can power an entire brand. If this episode inspired you, subscribe to Nursing Uncharted and share it with a nurse who deserves to be seen as the everyday athlete they are. Your next chapter might be closer than you think. Episode Sponsor:We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare.Resources & Links🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resourcesIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About AnnAnn King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at [email protected] Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTubeInstagramApple PodcastsSpotifyLinkedInFacebookPowered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.